Android 9.0 officially named as 'Pie'; starts rolling out to Pixel phones

Android 9.0 'Pie', which was first unveiled at Google's annual developer conference in May, will use artificial intelligence to adapt to how you use the deviceETtech | August 07, 2018, 10:17 IST

The next version of Google's Android operating system, Android 9.0, will be called Pie. It will be initially available on Google's Pixel phones starting today.

Android 9.0 'Pie', which was first unveiled at Google's annual developer conference in May, will use artificial intelligence to adapt to how you use the device. For instance, Android will set screen brightness by studying your manual adjustments, rather than automatically switching to a certain level based on ambient light.

It will use machine learning to learn to how consumers use apps in order to prioritize battery power only for the apps and services the consumer uses the most.

Google names its Android versions after sweet treats, such as Marshmallow. Google chose Pie in part because an upcoming feature called Slices will try to offer slices of information from your favorite apps without opening them.

You'll be able to start testing features aimed at improving people's digital well-being, including a "wind down" mode that will fade the screen to grey at a designated time to help you disconnect before bed.

Android P also includes a new revamped interface that uses a iPhone-like gesture navigation and smarter ways to access functions that are usually buried away inside apps.

The interface will no longer have a multitasking button that shows all the apps running in the background. Users can "swipe up" the Home button to browse through background apps and suggested apps. A second swipe up will open the app drawer.

During the beta testing phase, Google had rolled out the software to six other smartphones including Sony Xperia XZ2, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Nokia 7 Plus, Oppo R15 Pro, Vivo X21, OnePlus 6, and Essential PH‑1. Apart from the Essential phone which will be receiving the update shortly, all other phones along with Android One devices are expected to get the update by the end of this fall.

"We are also working with a number of other partners to launch or upgrade devices to Android 9 this year." the company said in a statement.